VFA-106 Gladiators

Strike Fighter Squadron 106 -“Gladiators”

Radio callsign: ROMAN

Greetings from the Command Staff,

Welcome to Strike Fighter Squadron One Zero Six, Roman Empire, the Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) for the F/A-18C Hornet. Based at NAS Oceana, Virginia, this squadron's purpose is to train and prepare the finest Strike Fighter Aircrew and Maintenance Professionals possible for the Fleet and Fleet Marine Force in support of combat operations around the world. In Eagle Dynamics's Digital Combat Simulator, NAS Oceana and the Virginia Capes are represented by Kobuleti Air Base located in the South West portion of Georgia on the Caucasus map during the FRS portion of CVW8's 26 week cycle. Like its real life counterpart, VFA-106 is tasked with deveoping and qualifying new and transitioning pilots for selection into one of CVW8's fleet hornet squadrons, VFA-87 and VFA-15. No matter their experience level upon arrival, recently commissioned Ensigns learn to fly the hornet in an ultrarealistic and professional manner and are held to the highest standards in virtual aviation. Good luck to those of you accepted for VFA-106 training as you begin quite possibly the most challenging, immersive, and worthwile period of flight simulation you've ever known.

Upon graduation, freshly winged and promoted LTJGs head to their respective fleet squadrons for 2 weeks of indoctrination and familiarization. These virtual naval aviators are welcomed to the fleet by their previous instructors to continue their training alongside their new peers, having proven themselves worthy of a place within the ranks. Following indoc, the fleet and its new members conduct a 3 week work up detachment to Nevada, focusing on squadron cohesion and a more advanced mission skills syllabus. Meanwhile, the wing continues to recruit during this period, but newcomers who do not arrive in time will be pushed to the next class. This second and faster paced class is followed by another fleet induc phase to allow time for newcomers to settle in and study up. Finally, fleet hornet squadrons head to COMPTUEX, one last 3 week pre-deployment work up period that reintroduces CV operations and refreshes tactical knowledge and skills in preparation for an 8 week deployment to the Persian Gulf.

CVW8 staff understands that DCS and Hornet experience varies with each new Ensign. Therefore, to give relative newcomers to DCS or the Hornet a fighting chance, the syllabus is preceeded if need be by extra ground schools and short familiarization flights to get new drivers comfortable with the airplane. This Fam stage includes hardware issues, mods installation, basic checklists, radio procedures, formation flying, and NATOPS and prepares anyone with any experience to enter the core skills syllabus. For the seasoned butter bars, the initial Hornet training and educational sequence is designed to be flexible. Incoming student naval aviators may enter the syllabus at any point that is agreed upon by CVW8 and VFA-106 command staff upon formal request.

If you have any questions, feel free to reach out to your new chain of command at any time using discord or stop by our teamspeak office. Welcome aboard class and congratulations. See you on deck!

~ CDR A. "Do-Rag" Carl CO VFA-106, CVW8

All 19-2 Students must review the "CVW-8 DCS Training Syllabus (F/A-18) 19-2"

CVW-8 DCS VFA-106 Training Syllabus (F/A-18) 19-2

VFA-106 East Coast Legacy Hornet Tactical Demostration Team

Carrier Air Wing Eight's tactical demonstration team is made up of Fleet Replacement Squadron (FRS) instructors flying the same jets used to train new students. “TACDEMO” is designed to highlight the mobility, versatility and power of the F/A-18 Hornet for the DCS community.Our mission is to enhance CVW8's online presence and in doing so help recruiting efforts while at the same time demonstrating the awesome capabilities of virtual naval aviation.